One case of norovirus allegedly connected to a Buffalo Wild Wings in Kansas

(Reuters) - One positive case of norovirus related to an
investigation at restaurant chain operator Buffalo Wild Wings has been confirmed, the Kansas
health department's Johnson County office said on Friday.

Buffalo Wild Wings' shares fell as much as 13 percent to a
15-month low on Friday, before easing back to close down 8
percent at $142.08.

The investigation is related to a gastrointestinal illness that
affected at least 10 people who ate at a Buffalo Wild Wings' restaurant in Overland Park in suburban
Kansas City.

"These types of illness are common this time of year," Johnson
County Department of Health and Environment Director Lougene
Marsh said in a
statement.

Norovirus is the most common cause of food-borne disease
outbreaks in the United States and infections usually occurs in
places such as hospitals, cruise ships and universities, where
people eat and live in close quarters.

There were no further reports of illnesses and additional results
on the existing cases are pending lab confirmation, the
department said.

Buffalo Wild Wings, whose outlets are known for their
chicken wings, said despite
the one positive test, there was no confirmation that its
Overland Park restaurant was the source.

The company voluntarily closed the restaurant for cleaning after
it learnt of the illnesses and reopened it the next day after
consulting the health department, a company spokesman said in an
email.

"We are monitoring the situation and will continue to work
closely with the health department until their investigation is
complete," the spokesman said.

Last year, two norovirus outbreaks were reported at the
Massachusetts and California outlets of popular burrito chain
operator Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.

About 19 million to 21 million norovirus cases, with 570 to 800
related deaths are reported in the United States each year,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.